Florida Chiropractic Laws and Rules (FCLR) Practice Exam

Under what condition may action be taken against you for removing money from a trust fund?

1. If services are rendered before payment

2. If money is taken after services

3. If taking money out before services are rendered

4. If a written request is not submitted

The correct answer is: If taking money out before services are rendered

Removing money from a trust fund prior to the services being rendered constitutes an improper use of the trust funds. Trust funds are typically set aside to ensure that services are compensated only after they have been provided. The purpose of this system is to protect clients and ensure that they receive the services for which they have paid. Therefore, taking money out before services are rendered violates these principles and can lead to disciplinary actions. In contrast, the other scenarios do not inherently lead to disciplinary actions in the same way. For instance, receiving payment for services rendered after the fact is generally accepted as standard practice, as is the situation where no written request is needed for funds taken after services have been completed. Thus, the condition indicating that money may be taken from a trust fund is specifically tied to ensuring that clients have received their services before any withdrawal occurs, making the prior withdrawal the key point of concern.